Forest conservation is a collective responsibility, says judge

“Forest conservation is not the responsibility of the Forest Department alone, but a collective responsibility of government departments and citizens,” Principal District and Sessions judge N.V. Vijay said on Friday.

Addressing the National Forest Martyrs’ Day programme organised by the Forest Department in Dharwad on Friday, Mr. Vijay said the judiciary had a close association with forest conservation and that several judgments had been delivered to protect forests and the environment.

He urged the public to exercise caution while travelling through forest areas, particularly against activities that could trigger fires. Even a small spark, he said, could cause extensive damage to forests and wildlife.

Chief Conservator of Forests K.V. Vasanth Reddy said around 65 Forest Department personnel and officers in Karnataka had lost their lives in the past six decades while protecting forests and wildlife. About 17 personnel had died in the last five years, he said.